VASECTOMY INFORMATION
Welcome to Urologic Specialists, we specialize in providing high-quality urological care to our patients, and vasectomy is one of our most performed procedures. Our team of eleven experienced specialists understands all patient demands and reservations and ensures that your journey with us is comfortable and effective.
What is Vasectomy
A vasectomy is a surgical procedure that offers permanent contraception for men. The vas deferens, tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis, are cut or blocked. This leads to less to no release of sperm during ejaculation and resultantly makes a man sterile. There are two main types of vasectomy; conventional vasectomy and no-scalpel vasectomy. Let’s discuss each of these procedures in detail.
Conventional Vasectomy
During this procedure, our specialists give patients local anaesthetic and numb the area surrounding the scrotum. They then make two minor cuts on each side of the scrotum and reach the vas deferens, the tubes which carry the sperms.
They are then gently lifted and pulled out slightly to be cut. A small section is cut, and the cut is then closed by cauterizing. Cauterizing is simply using heat to close the tubes to avoid any leakage.
The incisions are then closed with dissolvable stitches that disappear within 7 to 10 days post-surgery. The entire procedure is a little painful, and our specialists take great care to ensure the procedure goes smoothly.
No-Scalpel Vasectomy
The specialists proceed with the anaesthetic during a no-scalpel vasectomy, similar to a conventional vasectomy. Then the specialist makes a small puncture in the scrotum using a hemostat. Each tube is lifted gently from the sac, usually one at a time.
The tubes are cut, blocked, and sealed using cauterizing or surgical slips. As no cuts are made on the scrotal sac, hence no stitches are needed. This procedure is less painful than a conventional vasectomy, and the puncture heals faster than an incision. You can return to everyday life in just a few short days.
How effective is a vasectomy?
A vasectomy is deemed the most effective form of contraception in men and has a success rate of 99.9%. However, our specialists believe each case is unique, and there is still a slight chance of pregnancy after the procedure.
It usually takes time for the sperm to clear out from the tubes after the procedure. Our specialists will ask you for a semen analysis to ensure the tubes have cleared. It is best to use alternative contraception until they give you the all-clear.
How safe is a vasectomy?
Vasectomy is a safe and low-risk procedure. There are few to no risks associated with vasectomy. Many patients falsely believe that slight bleeding, temporary bruising and swelling, and mild pain after the procedure are points of concern. However, these are normal and can easily be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Most men can return to normal activities after a week of the procedure. Complications like chronic pain, infection, and bleeding may arise rarely. However, there is usually no need to panic. These complications can be managed through medical intervention.
What can I expect during and after having a vasectomy?
During the procedure, the specialist cleans the area. They then apply the anaesthetic to the area where the incision or puncture will be made. The anaesthetic minimizes discomfort. The procedure itself is approximately 30 minutes long.
The vas deferens are accessed through either an incision (conventional vasectomy) or a puncture (no-scalpel vasectomy). As discussed above, the vas deferens are lifted, cut, and sealed. This ensures that sperms aren’t released during ejaculation.
After the procedure, you may experience some pain, bruising, or swelling in the scrotum. This is normal and can be managed through over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs. You should also avoid sexual activity and strenuous tasks immediately after the procedure, at least for a week. This will help ensure that you heal properly. Also, ensure that you use contraception until a semen analysis confirms that sperm are no longer being ejaculated in the semen.
You can return to your normal life a week after the procedure. However, follow all post-op care guidelines to ensure a smooth recovery.
How do I get a vasectomy?
To get a vasectomy, you need to consult one of our specialists for a consultation. During the consultation, they will review your medical history and perform a physical exam to determine whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure. You should also state any and all reservations or confusions, and they’ll address all of them.
They’ll also explain the procedure’s potential risks and guaranteed benefits and give you a detailed run-down of the available procedures and which is better for you. After the consultation, you must schedule an appointment for the surgery. The procedure will be performed at their clinic.
The specialist may ask you to follow specific guidelines before the surgery, like abstaining from certain medications, fasting for a certain period, shaving the area around the scrotum, and arranging transportation post-surgery.
What are the benefits of vasectomy?
The benefits of vasectomy are as follows:
Permanent Contraception – Unlike other forms of contraception, a vasectomy is a one-time procedure leading to permanent birth control.
Effective – Vasectomy has a success rate of 99.9% and is a highly effective form of contraception.
Low Risk – As the procedure is minimally invasive, there is a low risk of complications. Any complications are rare and can be managed via medical intervention.
Cost-Effective – A vasectomy is a one-time procedure. Over time it is seen to be more cost-effective than birth control pills and condoms.
Zero Impact on Sex Life – Vasectomy doesn’t impact your sexual function, including your ability to orgasm or get an erection.
Quick Recovery – You can return to normal activities a week after the procedure.
What are the disadvantages of getting a vasectomy?
Vasectomy has some potential disadvantages that you should consider as well:
Possible Complications – While complications during or after the procedure are rare, our specialists ensure you are well-informed. Complications might include bleeding, bruising, swelling, infections, or severe pain.
Permanence – As vasectomy is a permanent form of birth control, you must be sure that you never want to father a child.
Reversal – The vasectomy reversal procedure has a relatively low success rate and is contingent on many factors. It is also costly. Hence, it is better not to keep it as an option.
Cost – Your insurance coverage can cover the significant expense of the vasectomy. However, if you don’t have insurance coverage for it, it might seem a tad bit expensive.
How Much Does a Vasectomy Cost?
A vasectomy’s cost depends on many factors, including the clinic’s location, procedure type, the procedure specialist, and insurance coverage. The procedure costs between $500 to $2000 on average in Indiana. This includes pre-operative care, vasectomy, and post-operative care and appointments.
It would be best to discuss the policies and fine print with your insurance provider for greater clarity on their coverage. Generally, many insurance providers cover this procedure.
You can discuss any reservations about the cost with our representatives and specialists, who can further guide you on how to proceed.
When Can You Have Sex Again After a Vasectomy?
You must wait until the surgical site is healed before engaging in sexual activity. Depending upon the procedure and your healing rate, our specialists recommend one to two weeks of abstinence after the procedure.
Please remember that you’ll still have to use contraception until you get the all-clear from the specialist after the procedure that you are sterile.
Does a Vasectomy Protect Against STDs?
A vasectomy does not protect against any Sexually Transmitted Diseases or Sexually Transmitted Infections (STDs/STIs). It only takes away your ability to father a child.
Hence, continue using condoms and other forms of protection to prevent STIs and STDs. Also, if you have multiple sexual partners, ensure you get tested regularly.
Can a Vasectomy Be Reversed?
A vasectomy can be reversed via the vasectomy reversal procedure. In this surgery, the cut or blocked tubes are reconnected with each other to provide passage to sperm so they can be ejaculated in the semen.
The success rate of this procedure is relatively low. It depends on factors like the vasectomy method, the man’s and his partner’s fertility, when the procedure was performed, and how you follow the specialist’s guidelines.
Generally, the longer its been since the vasectomy, the lower the chances are that the reversal would be successful. It is also more complicated and expensive and can be disheartening.